The Strategic Role of Facilities Management in Built Environment

Mahmood Rasheed, Chief Operating Officer of Imdaad, delves into the critical role played by the facilities management sector in ensuring that the spaces we create today are adaptable, sustainable, and valuable for years to come

In today’s ever-changing world, the spaces we live and work in are more than just buildings — they’re environments where people thrive, connect, and grow. At Imdaad, we see Facilities Management (FM) as a critical force in shaping these environments. For us, it’s about more than just maintaining buildings; it’s about enhancing the lives of those who occupy them.

Enhancing User Experience and Satisfaction: Our Commitment to People

Every day, our team is driven by one goal: making life better for the people who rely on the environments we manage. Whether it’s ensuring a seamless experience in a bustling office or creating a conducive learning environment in a school, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of every client.

I remember a particular instance at an industrial complex we manage, where our preventive maintenance programme made a real difference. By anticipating potential issues and addressing them before they became problems, we reduced equipment downtime by 25%. The result? A more productive, stress-free environment for everyone involved. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration: Partnering for Success

Innovation isn’t just a buzzword at Imdaad — it’s a way of life. We believe that the best solutions come from working closely with our clients, understanding their challenges, and finding new ways to solve them together.

Take, for example, our Command Control Center as a Service. By working hand-in-hand with our clients, we’ve developed a system that allows us to monitor and optimize facility operations in real-time, driving significant cost savings and making life easier for everyone. And then there’s our Indoor Air Quality monitoring — something that’s especially close to my heart. By ensuring the air in our managed spaces is clean and healthy, we’re not just ticking a box; we’re genuinely improving the well-being of the people who spend their days in these environments.

Influencing Design and Construction: Building for the Future

When it comes to design and construction, we don’t just think about today; we think about tomorrow, too. We believe that FM professionals have a crucial role to play right from the start, ensuring that the spaces we create today are adaptable, sustainable, and valuable for years to come.

I’m particularly proud of our work on a new commercial building where we implemented thermal energy storage technology. This wasn’t just about cutting costs—though we did achieve significant energy savings—it was about future-proofing the building, ensuring it would be efficient and sustainable long into the future. It’s this kind of forward-thinking that sets us apart and allows us to deliver lasting value to our clients.

Enhancing Occupant Well-Being and Productivity: Making a Difference

For us, Facilities Management is deeply personal because it directly impacts people’s lives. We don’t just manage buildings; we create environments where people can be their best selves—comfortable, safe, and productive.

We’re constantly measuring our impact, whether through Net Promoter Scores (NPS) or the timely resolution of complaints, because we believe in continuous improvement. I’ll never forget a recent project where our proactive management during the defect liability period helped resolve issues quickly, ensuring a smooth transition for the building’s occupants. It was a small but significant way we could make their lives just a little bit easier, and that’s what makes this work so rewarding.

Aligning FM with Broader Organizational Goals: Partners in Success

We see ourselves as partners in our clients’ success. Facilities Management is not just about keeping things running smoothly; it’s about aligning our work with the broader goals of the organizations we serve, helping them save costs, manage risks, and build resilience.

Through smart building technologies and a focus on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), we help our clients make informed decisions that extend the lifespan of their assets and optimize their operations. It’s about working together to achieve more—and knowing that our efforts contribute to their long-term success is incredibly fulfilling.

Building a Better Tomorrow, Together

Facilities Management is more than just a job for us — it’s a mission. We’re dedicated to creating environments where people can thrive, where innovation leads to better outcomes, and where every space we manage is a testament to our commitment to excellence.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to enhancing lives, driving innovation, and partnering with our clients to build a better tomorrow. Because, at the end of the day, it’s the people who occupy these spaces that matter most, and we’re proud to play a part in their story.